WIREDGOV

A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.

A range of statistics on the structure and practice of farms in Scotland have been published.

The Chief Statistician yesterday released a range of figures for Scotland from the EU’s Farm Structure Survey, including information on soil conservation, livestock breeding practice and renewable energy production. The data are used to help monitor greenhouse gas emissions.

About 20 per cent of tillage used conservation methods, about a third of holdings kept all their land in general crop rotation, and less than 20 per cent of land was left bare during the winter. Less than 10 per cent of manure and slurry was incorporated straight away, which would be beneficial for the environment and crop-growth.

Just over 20 per cent of farms reported diversification, the most common form being tourism. Three per cent reported generating renewable energy for the market, with the figure rising to 10 per cent if home-use is included. One in eight holdings reported that more than 10 per cent of their turnover came from other gainful activities at the location.

Of holdings that bred cattle or sheep, less than 15 per cent used the best available genetic information, such as Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs). Fifty-three per cent of ewes were mated using a home-bred ram, with one per cent artificially inseminated. About half of the cows were mated using a brought-in bull, but with 18 per cent mated using artificial insemination.

In other data on the structure of farm ownership, 90 per cent of farms were run on a day-to-day basis by the occupier or a member of their family. Four per cent of farms were owned by companies or institutions.

Thirty-one per cent of those managing farms (occupiers or managers) were aged over 65, with a further 27 per cent aged 55 or over. Three per cent were aged under 35. Fifteen per cent were female, and one in six had completed at least two years of agricultural training.

The figures released yesterday were produced by independent statistical staff, free from any political interference, in accordance with professional standards set out in the Code of Practice for Official Statistics.

Notes to editors

The full statistical publications can be accessed at:
www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/01079

Results for other EU countries will not be available until 2015.

These statistics are used by government and stakeholders to monitor and assess the economic well-being of the agricultural sector and for policy evaluation, in particular in greenhouse gas monitoring. They also fulfil statutory requirements for the European Commission. Further information on Agriculture and Fisheries statistics within Scotland can be accessed at:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Agriculture-Fisheries

More information on the standards of official statistics in Scotland can be accessed at: www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/About